Knife in the Water (1962)

In the heart of Poland, we meet Andrzej and Krystyna, a well-to-do couple whose marriage is teetering on the precipice of contempt, a sentiment they reserve for their private moments. Their relationship is a smoldering volcano, waiting for the right incident to trigger an eruption. It is on a Sunday drive through the serene countryside, en route to a sailing trip on the lake, that their lives take an unexpected turn. A young male hitchhiker appears on their path, narrowly escaping being run over. Despite the initial antagonism that crackles in the air between Andrzej and the hitchhiker, Andrzej, in a surprising act of kindness, offers the young man a ride to the marina. By the time they reach the shimmering lake, the tension has ebbed enough for Andrzej to extend an invitation for the hitchhiker to join their overnight sailing excursion. The hitchhiker, inexperienced but adventurous, accepts the offer, unknowingly stepping into a simmering power play. As the sailing trip unfolds under the open sky, the yacht becomes a battlefield where masculinity is tested and egos clash. Andrzej, secure in his experience and superiority, is set on asserting his dominance, while the hitchhiker, young and naive yet determined, fights to prove his worth. This fierce contest is further inflamed by the presence of Krystyna, whose mere existence adds a complex layer to the duel. The hitchhiker's pocket knife, an unassuming object, transforms into a symbol of this escalating struggle for authority. As the knife cuts through the tranquil water, a sinister undercurrent of violence and erotic rivalry emerges, casting a dark shadow on their journey. The confined space of the yacht becomes a potent stage for a ruthless display of alpha-male bravado that could carry unforeseen consequences. The question remains: who will emerge victorious in this ruthless game of power and survival? Will they survive the sailing trip unscathed, or will this encounter forever alter the course of their lives?

Knife in the Water is a drama movie featuring Leon Niemczyk.

Knife in the Water is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Knife in the Water on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.